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Gastroenteritis

Medical Questions » Gastroenteritis
Name: Gastroenteritis
Also known as: Viral Enteritis
A viral infection of the gut.
Causes of Gastroenteritis
The rotavirus is one of the most common viruses responsible, particularly in children. Often appears in epidemics, and usually in spring or early summer. Passes from one person to another through contamination of the hands and food.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
Uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, gurgling, cramping pains and then vomiting. A few hours later the vomiting starts to ease, and diarrhea develops. Lasts from one to three days.
Tests for Gastroenteritis
Usually none necessary. Faeces tests if another cause is suspected and blood tests for dehydration.
Treatment for Gastroenteritis
Specific diet to replace the fluid and vital salts that are rinsed out of the body by the vomiting and diarrhea, and then careful reintroduction of foods. In adults, medications can be used to slow diarrhea. Paracetamol can be used for belly pain.
Complications of Gastroenteritis of its treatment
Young children may become rapidly dehydrated and require urgent hospitalization. Some children develop an intolerance to milk sugar (lactose) after the infection, and this may prevent them from returning to a normal diet for weeks or months.
Likely Outcome of Gastroenteritis
Almost everyone recovers in a few days.
       
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